RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Pediatric Tracheostomy Year in Review
JF Respiratory Care
FD American Association for Respiratory Care
SP 1025
OP 1032
DO 10.4187/respcare.11932
VO 69
IS 8
A1 Willis, L Denise
YR 2024
UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/69/8/1025.abstract
AB Tracheostomized children have higher mortality compared to adults due to smaller airway anatomy and greater medical complexity and are at high risk for life-threatening complications. Following new tracheostomy placement, caregivers are required to successfully complete extensive training before discharge home. Training for tracheostomy emergencies such as tube obstruction and accidental decannulation is challenging without real-life, hands-on experience, but simulation training has shown promising effects on improving caregiver knowledge and comfort in preparing for emergency situations. Readmissions and emergency department visits are common following discharge, with many due to respiratory illness. Inhaled antibiotics are frequently prescribed to treat bacterial respiratory infection. However, guidelines for standardized management of tracheostomy-related respiratory illness are not available. Although standardized decannulation protocols are utilized, evidence-based guidelines are lacking, and the role of routine polysomnogram prior to decannulation is unresolved. Several knowledge gaps in management of pediatric tracheostomy present the opportunity for future research to improve patient outcomes.